Microelectrode system

Abstract

A microelectrode system suitable for use in preparative and analytical chemistry having a laminated structure with one or more apertures. In one embodiment a microelectrode system ( 1 ) comprises alternating layers of conductor ( 3 ) and dielectric (or insulator) ( 4 ). The laminated structure ( 2 ) comprises two conductor layers ( 3 ) and two dielectric layers ( 4 ) formed on a base ( 5 ) of silicon or a polymeric material. The conducting layers ( 3 ) form electrodes in the microelectrodes system ( 1 ). The laminated structure has formed within it an aperture in the form of a well ( 6 ) being open at one end ( 7 ) and closed at the opposite end ( 8 ). In another embodiment, the apertures take the form of through holes.

What is claimed is:  
     
       1. A microelectrode system comprising a laminated structure having: 
       at least one conducting layer of thickness in the range 1 to 10 microns capable of acting as an electrode,  
       at least one dielectric layer, at least one of which is made from a rubbery material having a solid state matrix capable of swelling in the presence of a liquid or gas;  
       an aperture formed in the laminated structure with a diameter in the range 0.5 to 500 microns, wherein said aperture is a through hole which extends through the laminated structure and is open at both ends; and  
       contact means for allowing electrical contact with at least one conducting layer.  
     
     
       2. A microelectrode system as claimed in  claim 1  wherein said aperture defines a uniform or non-uniform internal wall in the laminate structure. 
     
     
       3. A microelectrode system as claimed in  claim 1  wherein said aperture defines a substantially tubular internal wall in the laminate structure. 
     
     
       4. A microelectrode system as claimed in  claim 1  comprising a plurality of apertures. 
     
     
       5. A microelectrode system as claimed in  claim 1  wherein at least one conducting layer is functionalised. 
     
     
       6. A microelectrode system as claimed in  claim 1  wherein consecutive conducting layers are separated by dielectric layers. 
     
     
       7. A microelectrode system as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the laminate structure is constructed on a base comprising silicon or a polymeric material. 
     
     
       8. A microelectrode system as claimed in  claim 1  wherein at least one conducting layer is metallic and treated with an organic conducting layer. 
     
     
       9. A microelectrode system as claimed in  claim 1  wherein at least one conducting layer is a silver/silver chloride reference electrode. 
     
     
       10. A microelectrode system as claimed in  claim 1  wherein at least one conducting layer consists essentially of gold. 
     
     
       11. A microelectrode system as claimed in  claim 10 , wherein at least one dielectric layer is polymeric and acts as a support for the gold conducting layer. 
     
     
       12. A microelectrode system as claimed in  claim 1  comprising means for assisting mass transport. 
     
     
       13. A microelectrode system as claimed in  claim 12  wherein said means for assisting mass transport is a piezoelectric vibrator or ultrasonic probe. 
     
     
       14. A microelectrode system as claimed in  claim 1  comprising alternating conducting and dielectric layers. 
     
     
       15. A microelectrode system as claimed in  claim 1  wherein at least one dielectric layer comprises a specialized layer in the form of an ion exchange resin, gel or solid electrolyte. 
     
     
       16. A microelectrode system as claimed in  claim 15  wherein the specialized layer is provided with means to apply physical or chemical gradients or potentials thereto. 
     
     
       17. A microelectrode system as claimed in  claim 1  wherein at least one dielectric layer comprises a reagent loaded or functionalised layer. 
     
     
       18. A microelectrode system comprising a laminated structure having: 
       at least one conducting layer capable of acting as an electrode, wherein said conducting layer is metallic and comprises an organic conducting layer  
       at least one dielectric layer,  
       an aperture formed in the laminated structure, and  
       contact means for allowing electrical contact with the at least one conducting layer.  
     
     
       19. A microelectrode system comprising a laminated structure having: 
       at least one conducting layer capable of acting as an electrode;  
       at least one dielectric layer,  
       an aperture formed in the laminated structure, and  
       contact means for allowing electrical contract with the at least one conducting layer,  
       said system comprising means for assisting mass transport being a piezoelectric vibrator or ultrasonic probe.  
     
     
       20. A microelectrode system comprising a laminated structure having: 
       at least one conducting layer capable of acting as an electrode,  
       at least one dielectric layer, wherein at least one of said at least one dielectric layers comprises a specialised layer in the form of an ion exchange resin, gel or solid electrolyte and said specialised layer is provided with means to apply physical or chemical gradients or potential thereto,  
       an aperture formed in the laminated structure, and  
       contact means for allowing electrical contact with the at least one conducting layer.